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From the other side: Pete Pelegrin previews the FIU Panthers against UAB

FIU Southern Miss Foo_Cham (1).jpg

Florida International quarterback E.J. Hilliard (13) attempts to get away Southern Mississippi linebacker Jerrion Johnson (5) in the third quarter during an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. Florida International won 24-23. (AP Photo/Steve Coleman)

1. Does FIU's win over Southern Miss signal that good things are to come, or is Southern Miss just really bad?

I think now that FIU is playing teams more on its level you see some of the talent of this team come to fruition. The Panthers were overmatched against very good Maryland, Central Florida and Louisville teams earlier this season. I'm not saying they should start etching FIU's name on the Conference USA trophy, but the Panthers should be able to collect some more wins in the final 7 games of the season. Still FIU has not much depth and that could figure in games the rest of the season. FIU has only 67 scholarship players out of the 85-man NCAA limit due to the late hiring of Ron Turner and the off-field issues with some of the team's better players in the offseason.

2. It's obviously been a slow start for FIU. What are the reasons for that?

A very young team. More than 2/3rds of the roster is either freshmen and/or sophomores with very limited playing experience if any. The Panthers graduated 30 seniors last season, including three playing in the NFL this season. The offense is also adjusting to a pro-style system after working in a spread the last six years. The defense lost its two best playmakers in Johnathan Cyprien (Jaguars) and Tourek Williams (Chargers) to the NFL. The secondary is very green and lacks a lot of depth with its best player Richard Leonard ineligible for the season.

Florida International defensive tackle Isame Faciane (99) reacts after they kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter against Southern Miss during an NCAA college football game in Hattiesburg, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. Florida International won the game 24-23. (AP Photo/Steve Coleman)

3. What's been the root of FIU's struggles offensively and do you think they can improve against UAB, which has struggled defensively?

The inability to sustain drives. The Panthers move the ball between the 30s but can't cash in from there. Until last week against Southern Miss, the run game was ineffective, but freshman Silas Spearman set an FIU freshman rushing record with 136 yards against the Golden Eagles. Quarterback Jake Medlock and the receivers have not been on the same page with the route running, dropped passes and misfires from Medlock. FIU tight end Jonnu Smith has been a pleasant surprise with his pass catching skills and blocking. From what I've seen on TV and read, the Panthers should be able to score some points on the Blazers, whether it's enough to win Saturday's game we'll have to see.

4. How would you assess FIU's defense so far?

The defense has done well against the run with NFL prospect defensive tackles Isame Faciane and Greg Hickman. Most of FIU's best athletes are on the D-line. The Panthers have struggled in pass coverage. USM exploited the middle of the field against FIU with their tight ends and the deep passes have also hurt FIU. The Panthers lack serious depth at linebacker and in the secondary so a lot of those players are playing way too many snaps.

5. For people coming to the game, where are some nearby places to eat?

If you're staying near FIU, there is one of the best Italian restaurants in Miami on Bird Rd (40 St.) and SW 117 Ave. called Nunzio's. Dinner for two with booze will run you about $100. If you want to venture a few miles north to Dolphin Mall, you have several chain restaurants there starting with the Cheesecake Factory, Fridays, Dave & Busters, Chili's, etc. And there are always the swanky places in Miami Beach and Coconut Grove that will run you a pretty penny where you really are just paying for eating in Miami Beach.

6. How do you see the game going?

I think this will be a tight one until the end. Two very evenly matched teams. Hell, even Las Vegas can't decide on the spread. I'm going to say the Panthers give the home crowd something to cheer about on Homecoming. FIU runs the ball for about 180 yards and gets a couple of big plays in the passing game to squeak out a victory, 27-23 over UAB.